Let the light of science illuminate itself (Why didn't modern science emerge in China)

Author: Liu Qingfeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: This book was first published in 1983 and was one of the influential "Towards the Future" series that shook the intellectual world in the 1980s. The author adopts a comparative perspective between the East and the West, exploring the historical development, mechanisms, and social context of the structure of modern science and technology. Furthermore, it analyzes the technical and social structural reasons why modern science did not emerge in China. From today's perspective, the greatest feature of this book still lies in its rigorous research methodology that combines the natural sciences with the humanities, making it a work of scientific history. Compared to the current academic tendency toward micro-level and highly specialized studies, this book maintains its fresh appeal with its macroscopic grasp and dynamic approach. Moreover, its humanistic concern for social issues and emphasis on science popularization feel even more relatable today compared to some overly academic and high-flown pronouncements.